Is handwashing drying your skin?

Washing your hands is critical to help stop the spread of COVID-19, especially after using the restroom, visiting a public place, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
To reduce your risk of dry, cracked skin from handwashing, follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists:

1. Use lukewarm water
   Wash your hands with soap and lukewarm water for at least 20 seconds
2. Moisturize immediately after washing your hands.
   Pat your hands dry, then rub a pea-sized amount of moisturizer over your hands.
3. Use moisturizers with mineral oil or petrolatum.
   Look for ointments and creams — the ones you squeeze out of a tube — as these are more effective than products you pump out of a bottle.
4. Choose fragrance- and dye-free moisturizers.
   These are less irritating for your skin.
5. When soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer.
   The CDC recommends using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Since these can be drying, apply moisturizer after your hands dry.

Using moisturizer after washing your hands does NOT negate your handwashing efforts, and there is NO evidence that using hand sanitizer makes you more vulnerable to infections or viruses.

Your skin should start to feel better quickly. If these tips do not bring relief, please see a dermatologist. Very dry skin may require a medicated ointments or creams. Dry skin can also be a sign of medical skin condition that needs treatment. A dermatologist will examine your skin and explain what can help in reducing your discomfort. Atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis patients need special care during winters.

To schedule appointment at SkinEthics, please call on 9028291234 or click here